How to Change the Name on Your U.S. Passport?

A passport is one of the primary identifying documents a person can have when travelling. But the primary way to identify anyone, before any documents, is by their name. What happens with one’s passport when one changes their name?

Table of contents

• Is my passport still valid after a name change?
• Do I have to change my maiden name on my passport?
• How to change your maiden name to a married name on your passport
• Passport name change because of marriage: required documents
• U.S. passport photo specifications
• U.S. online passport photo maker
• Passport name change after divorce: do I have to change my married name to my maiden name?

Is my passport still valid after a name change?

Generally, you will have a document proving it when you have gone through the legal process for a first name or family name change, whether due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons. Using this document, you can prove your name even though it does not match the passport. This way, your passport can still be valid even though you have changed your name or surname, as long as the passport itself has not expired.

However, it may be helpful to have your name changed on your passport, too, especially when you are actively using it to travel abroad, as carrying name-change documents can be a hassle.

Do I have to change my maiden name on my passport?

The main question here is whether it is suggested or required to change your maiden name to your current one after you get married. The general rule is as we have explained above: if you do not change your name on your passport, you will need to show the document proving the legality of the name change. In this case, it is your marriage certificate.

However, some countries you enter with your passport may require that the name on your plane ticket (or other transport tickets) match your passport or other documents.

How to change your maiden name to a married name on your passport

The procedure to change your name in the USA depends on your situation:

If your passport was issued less than a year ago

Submit the following by mail:

• Form DS-5504;
• Your most recent U.S. passport;
• Your original or certified marriage certificate;
• One color passport photo fulfilling requirements.

This service is free except if you are using expedited services. This package must be sent by using USPS.

If your passport was issued more than a year ago

If you are allowed to renew using form DS-82, submit the following by mail:

• Form DS-82;
• Your most recent U.S. passport;
• Your original or certified marriage certificate;
• One color passport photo fulfilling requirements;
• Renewal fees.

If you are not eligible to renew by DS-82, you must apply in person with the DS-11 with the following documents:

• Form DS-11;
• Your evidence of U.S. citizenship and photocopy of that evidence;
• Your original or certified marriage certificate (no photocopies or notarized copies);
• Valid ID and photocopy of that ID;
• One color passport photo fulfilling requirements;
• First-time application fees.

If you are already using a different name but cannot prove it with legal documents

Apply in person using the following documents:

• Form DS-11;
• Your evidence of U.S. citizenship;
• Valid ID issued in the name you are currently using and photocopy of that ID;
• One color passport photo;
• First-time applicant fees.

Passport name change because of marriage: required documents

The documents depend on your situation.

• The form:
  • If your passport was issued less than a year ago: DS-5504;
  • If your passport was issued more than a year ago: DS-82 if you’re eligible to use that renewal form, or otherwise DS-11;
  • If you cannot prove using a marriage certificate: DS-11.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (if applying with DS-11);
• Your original or certified marriage certificate;
• Valid ID and photocopy of that ID (if applying with DS-11);
• One color passport photo fulfilling requirements;
• Fees depending on your situation.

U.S. passport photo specifications

Here are the photo specifications that are standard for US passports:

• The picture must not be older than six months;
• The photo’s background must be plain white;
• The US visa photo size is 2x2 inches (5x5 cm) in print and 600 - 1200 pixels in digital;
• Face-to-photo ratio: your face should occupy about 70% of the picture.

Here is an example of a 2x2 inch photo suitable for a USA passport:

U.S. online passport photo maker

As we have explained above, US travel documents' photos must follow specific requirements to be accepted. To avoid wasting time and resources, we recommend you trust the editing of your photo to a professional tool that guarantees that your photo will fully satisfy the parameters up to the subtlest details and be accepted by the embassy or consulate.

Visafoto has been processing US visas and passport pictures since 2013 with acceptance guarantee. Just upload a portrait (or even a selfie) of you taken in decent lighting, with a proper dress code, and properly posed: look straight to the camera and keep a neutral expression. Visafoto will take care of the rest.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

Use a selfie taken under daylight, like this one:

You will get two files from Visafoto: a digital photo for electronic applications and a template ready for printing.

Passport name change after divorce: do I have to change my married name to my maiden name?

The rule for name changes after divorce is the same as name change after marriage: you may apply for a name change on your passport, or you can present the passport with the documental proof of your name change if it is applicable and acceptable to the relevant authorities.